The Clay Mystery
How can you find something you cannot see?

For particular frequency ranges, electromagnetic waves are suitable for detecting objects buried below the surface of the earth. As with standard radar, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is useful for remote sensing of submerged targets. It is an important tool for determining the locations of buried hazardous waste or large structures, which may make excavation operations much easier. Also, GPR has been successfully used to detect landmines and unexploded shells. Improving the state-of-the-art of GPR will benefit mankind in both humanitarian and commercial ways.

Current progress in computational GPR includes using our established numerical models of standard soils with rough surfaces and volume inhomogeneities to predict the locations of buried targets. In particular, we are perfecting algorithms for quickly computing the depth and configuration of buried underground facilities and pools of pollutants.

This study will make use of our time domain numerical GPR simulation programs to build a feature database of subsurface scatterers. The RET assistant will aid Prof. Rappaport in his research in developing algorithms and software to simulate wave propagation on the Northeastern University computer system. The research team will use Matlab and other software packages, write programs for data management, algorithm realization, and mathematical formula coding, as well as to generate two- and three-dimensional and contour graphics. The RET assistant will become intimately involved with development of exciting, state-of-the-art simulation technology.

Teachers will gain an understanding of radar in complex environments, and how software is used to design and simulate real conditions prior to actual system construction.